Replacing Pipe from Gas Meter

Norroy

British Gas have told me that the metal pipe taking gas from my gas meter (on an outside wall) and into my building is deteriorating, and needs to be replaced. They expect me to pay for this.

Is this correct, or should they be footing the bill ?

SailorSam

I don't know but i'd imagine it's true. Anything before the meter they'd be responsible for but anything after is for you to fix.
Isn't it a bit like the water, if there was a leak before it came into the house the Utility company are responsible ?????

sinizterguy

They will foot the bill up to the meter and for the meter itself. The rest is your responsibility (assuming you are the property owner/freeholder).

FOREVER21

I'm afraid posters are right utility company responsible for pipe work leading to meter and meter itself, pipe work from meter is responsibilty of householder.

I learnt this to my cost, about 3 years ago my meter was in cupboard in house, Gas board decided meter needed to be exchanged( end of its lifespan!) They exchanged the meter but put the new one in garage and put in new pipe work to house, this seemed a good idea at the time as it is easier to access and take readings.

Only found out afterwards I am now responsible for at least 14 foot of pipework which was utilility companies responsibilty before, no one mentioned this at the time.

bridgedino

If it's simply replacing old for new it shouldn't be a big job. Simple Pipework task

Make sure it's a gas engineer and not a plumber that does the work though

Norroy

Thanks for the replies. I thought that this probably was the case, but just wondered as it is outside the building. Anyway, another bill to look forward to .....

warmhands.coldheart

Define "deteriorating".. Are we talking a bit or discolouration/rusting or falling apart?
If it's metal I'm assuming it's 1" or 2" mild steel pipe which is usually about 4mm thick and usually comes pre-galvanised..... Would take quite a bit of time for it to "deteriorate" significantly....
Any Pics available?